Humanitarian Crisis in Niger - what can we do to help?

[spub]

Watching the news at the weekend and seeing the reports of mass starvation in Niger was heartbreaking.
During the course of the BBC news crew's filming 3 babies died of malnutrition. I was looking at my own big, healthy dd and trying to imagine how it would feel to watch your child die for want of food and water. I got very sad. Then I got very angry.
There must be something we can do. I have taken part in the Make Poverty History campaign and the march in Edinburgh and I have hopes that the campaign will succeed long term - however.....

I am not a seasoned campaigner, though and don't really know how best Mumsnet(tters) could get involved and try to do something practical but I think we should have a go.

Anyone?

[Bramshott]

Sadly, and a bit frustratingly, in the short term I would say it comes down to money. Oxfam have a link for donations on their homepage here But if anyone's got any better ideas, I'd love to hear them.

[Marina]

Keep supporting Oxfam and other aid agencies with a proven track record of helping in these situations...Christian Aid, Medecins Sans Frontieres, the Red Cross.

Hideous isn't it Spub

[FrenchGirl]

Agree with Marina, these are all good organisations to support. I do some work for the UN World Food Programme who are feeding people in Niger, the UN started asking for help for Niger last November, then again in May, and by 2nd June they still hadn't received a penny from any government!!! Finally the world has woken up and they are receiving money. I don't think you can donate to them in the UK but they have a website that you can check out. The situation in Niger is disgraceful.

[spub]

Cheers for the info.
Do you think there's a way we could ask Mumsnet to "adopt" this crisis and put something on the home page, maybe asking for people to donate to the Oxfam Appeal or could we maybe organise a few regional mumsnet car boot sales or something in support of Niger?
I'm very happy to make my personal donation to Oxfam but just wonder how much more might be possible by harnessing the mighty force that is Mumsnet!
What do you think? Any ideas?
I just hate feeling so impotent about this.

[Papillon]

thats a good idea spub, asking mumsnet

[spub]

bump for input!

[handlemecarefully]

I'm astonished that this important subject fell so quickly out of Active Conversations.

I don't know how anyone who isn't on the breadline, can justify not contributing money NOW!

Sorry but the Niger situation makes me , a bit moralistic and frustrated

[handlemecarefully]

A little bit embarassed about my lecturing - below, but still bumping in case anyone wants the Oxfam link (below) for donations.....

[monkeytrousers]

Spub, it's too little too late but it's a stand of sorts of you want to sign up..link

[SweetFudge]

Spub,

Agree with Marina about keeping up the monthly donations to Oxfam, Medecins Sans Frontieres, etc.

I also think the regional boot sales are a good idea in raising money for Niger. Keep posting on this with update re. asking the Mumsnet team and I'll be glad to donate/help out with any work that needs to be done.

[spub]

Guys,
Thanks. You have restored my faith somewhat. I was also pretty astonished that a whole shedload of mums could let this topic slide.
MT- I'm going to contact MN direct and see what, if anything they can do re harnessing MNtters who might wish to do something to help.
Will update.
Cheers!

[emily05]

I find that I am humbled and sickened by what is happening in Niger. I have been skint and worried about money lately - but it puts everything into perspective when you see what is going on. I do a monthly donation, signed the petitions ect..

Unfortunantly I do not have any practical suggestions, but will watch this thread with interest for idea.

Handlemecarefully - dont be embarrased by what you said - I feel the same way and I think when we are helpless to help it makes us angry iyswim.

[spub]

Ok- Have just emailed the mumsnet team and will let you know how it goes.
HMC - you go girl!!
We need to stand up and be counted if we want our kids to live in a world where this no longer happens. Voting at elections is not enough in itself.
Thanks for jumping in at this stage. Hopefully some other fab MNetters will also do the same (even though we don't really have a campaign or 'owt as such - yet!! )

[PeachyClair]

even if you're on the breadline (we are at the moment) you can still help- I got my Rainbow Guides to do a half hours sponsored silence in the Spring and raised £158 for Oxfam. Not amssive but I bet it helped!

[motherpeculiar]

a mumsnet coffee morning around the country (and further afield - why not!)

agree a time and date, or couple of times and dates, agree a host or two per venue (just someone's house) and everyone who copmes makes a donation - a couple of quid or whatever they can afford.

Bet it would soon mount up.

I for one would be happy to host one.

I suppose this could be trickier than I initially thought though as we'd all be paranoid in the end about "internet strangers" coming to our houses.

OK, what about the equivalent in a public space, a park or something. Bring plenty of flasks of coffee, cake etc and make a big collection.

Would love to do something to help.

Keep at the mumsnet team spub.

[spub]

Cheers, PC and MP!
This is what I thought we might get some great ideas and support.
Thanks, you are fab. Spread the virtual word!!

[SenoraPostrophe]

Here's a link: medecins sans frontieres donation page

re coffee mornings: a bring and buy sale maybe? doesn't have to be a physical meetup - a virtual b&b sale might work.

[SenoraPostrophe]

bump

[PeachyClair]

Virtual bring and buy would be excellent fun!
Like ebay but with less sniping and a social conscience

[assumedname]

Thanks for the link SP.

[spub]

Yay!
More fab ideas! Love the idea of shopping with a social conscience!
Keep it coming and thanks again!

[PeachyClair]

If tehre's anything I can do from the sticks let me know- been a long time but used to be a professional fundraiser. no cash but lots of willing!

[spub]

PC- You sound like an incredibly helpful person to have on board. Hope MN comes up trumps and we can work you like a very hard working thing!!

[handlemecarefully]

Fab idea motherpeculiar about a mumsnet coffee morning campaign. I'd be happy to host one for the Southampton / Winchester / Salisbury area too. Why not start a thread on mumsnet fundraising coffee mornings to gauge interest?

I think I'll do a car boot sale this w/end to raise some more funds. Got loads of stuff to flog.

Good on you and the rainbow guides Peachyclair.

Btw, I'm glad that this thread has new life breathed into it - if it hadn't been posted on this morning I was going to start a thread entitled:

"Have you donated to Niger yet, and if you haven't why the £%^$ not!"

• thanks for saving me from myself!

[spub]

HMC- there is life but maybe not enough!
How do you reckon we should proceed?